1986 Toyota Celica
Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 2 |
| 1982 | 4 |
| 1983 | 3 |
| 1984 | 3 |
| 1985 | 7 |
| 1986 | 9 |
| 1987 | 5 |
| 1988 | 6 |
| 1989 | 11 |
| 1990 | 29 |
| 1991 | 27 |
| 1992 | 21 |
| 1993 | 13 |
| 1994 | 14 |
| 1995 | 22 |
| 1996 | 9 |
| 1997 | 8 |
| 1998 | 5 |
| 1999 | 10 |
| 2000 | 106 |
| 2001 | 47 |
| 2002 | 29 |
| 2003 | 17 |
| 2004 | 4 |
| 2005 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 9 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 9 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
THE DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT DOES NOT LATCH PROPERLY. THE FEMALE END WILL NOT RECIEVE THE MALE PART AND THE RED BUTTON IS BROKEN. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950613
PLASTIC SEAT BELT BUCKLE ON DRIVERS SIDE SPLIT, ALLOWING TO SLIP OUT OF BUCKLE THROUGH SPLIT. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950404
2 of 9 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.
2 of 9 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing starter assembly and 12v/24v/48v battery.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
BATTERY AND THE SHELF THAT BATTERY SAT ON FELL INTO ENGINE AND CAUGHT ON FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980504
1 of 9 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cables.
1 of 9 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.
SAFETY TIMELINE
RIDE CONTROL IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT STRUT MOUNTS BRANDED AS GABRIEL RIDE CONTROL OR ARVINMERITOR, P/NOS. 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE
Remedy: RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-248-458-1396.
Campaign 10E002000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1986 Toyota Celica — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 10E002000 (suspension) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1986 Toyota Celica reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1986 Toyota Celica?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Toyota Celica have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.